Musings on Maths, education, teaching and technology.
I have just completed the second edition of the SHS E-Learning Newsletter. This issue’s focus was:
Check it out here, or sign up for the next edition over on the right in the sidebar 
I am excited to have been invited by Kristian Still to be involved with developing the idea of ‘Digital Leaders’ in school. Digital Leaders is an initiative started by Kristian Still at Hamble College in Southampton.
To quote Kristian: “The Digital Leaders are a group of students from Hamble Community Sports College that lead innovative ICT practice and regularly meet as part of the Digital Media and Gaming Club. They contribute to ICT innovation and curriculum development and contribute to school ICT policy.”
Following yesterday’s use of Twitter in the classroom, I was walking to Period 5 (same class as yesterday) after lunch, when inspiration struck. I remembered this post from @tombarrett .
Go and read it.
Go on!
I threw my lesson plan out of the window and did exactly what Tom did, here are the replies: (click through for them all)
This caused great excitement and interest in the topic, and really helped us look in to the language and mathematics of describing chance.
This class have really been inspired with the idea of my network, I had to stop them spending the rest of the lesson bombarding you all with further questions! Bringing global connections into the classroom is a real attention grabber, and like it or not we are entertainers!
Nothing more to say – thanks Tom – a great idea, and thanks to everyone who contributed to the lesson.
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I had an observation lesson today and decided to pull out all the technology tricks! We happened to be at a point in the scheme of work looking at data handling and collecting data in particular. I decided I’d develop the Questionnaires lesson which I used at interview last year. 60 minutes should be enough to do it more justice.
So here’s the plan:
Gordon Brown finally announced the Home Access programme last week. Organised by Becta this scheme will provide 270,000 households with a voucher that is redeemable for a computer along with 1 year’s Internet access, a suite of software and also support.
Families will be eligible if they have a child in Years 3-7, they have not been beneficiaries of a similar scheme in the past and they are entitled to Free School Meals or a range of other Income based benefits.
The scheme is independent of schools, although they can organise to bulk apply for the packages (I have heard this results in delays). Parents need to call the Home Access Grant Helpline on 0333 200 1004 for an application form, they will be told over the phone if they are eligible.
All of the packages on offer include ‘Assistive Technologies’. I saw a presentation on these at BETT last week and they do look impressive. The base package consists of a piece of Mind Mapping software, Mind View3; Text Help Read & Write software that includes spell checking, grammar suggestion and text to speak capabilities and finally issist iZoom screen magnification software.
The second package includes specific hardware solutions such as trackballs, high contrast keyboard stickers, larger keyboards, trackpads etc.. The third package which is not ready to go yet, is for those with more specific physical needs and will include home visits and assessments if necessary.
Although not run through our school I am keen to ensure that every child that is eligible for this benefits from it, so we will be sending a letter home to all of our Year 7-9 pupils encouraging them to apply. I will then run some form-filling drop-in evenings at school. Over half of our pupils have English as a second language so I’m sure some of the parents will appreciate the help in completing the forms. I’ll also be liaising closely with my SEN department to ensure that those with additional needs benefit from the assistive technology packages.
I spoke with a representative from Becta about this package. Many of our pupils benefited for the laptops for pupils scheme a year ago, so won’t be eligible for the new schme, but would certainly benefit from the software package. He confirmed that the package will be available in all of the approved retailers and should be under £50 which represents a considerable saving. They are also looking into making it available to schools for their own systems.
Further details and promotional materials for schools are available from the Home Access website if you register as a school, however feel free to borrow my letter.
And also check out @simonhaughton ’s Etherpad of ideas: http://parkfield.etherpad.com/4?
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Well the cold snap in the UK has given me the first two days of 2010 school year sat at home in front of the fire. I’ve been really busy of late so it’s been good to get some time to concentrate on my E-Learning role.
I have been meaning to write an E-Learning newsletter for the school for some time. I’ve seen some great examples including: Mark Clarkson Devon Learning Dan Needlestone & Tom Barrett.
I wanted to create a professional looking email so decided it had to be html. My ever useful Twitter network pointed me to two websites Campaign Monitor and MailChimp.
Now as far as I can see there are 3 options here, and I took a combination of 2 of them which added greatly to my workload!
Dan Stucke, a Maths Teacher & E-Learning Director from Manchester, UK. Geek, Mountain Biker, Evertonian.
